Alabama Republican Roy Moore has turned down a chance to debate his Democratic opponent Doug Jones in the days leading up to the Senate election, WHNT-TV reported.

The offer of a live, commercial-free debate was extended to both candidates by the television station. Jones accepted, but Moore declined.

"While we appreciate the invitation from WHNT, the differences between the two candidates are crystal clear," Moore's campaign chair Bill Armistead said. "There has never been a clearer choice: one candidate will stand up for Alabama and the other candidate will expand federal tyranny. Judge Moore will continue to take his message directly to the voters of Alabama."

A spokesperson for Jones' campaign blasted Moore's decision.

"Roy Moore has been hiding from the voters, from the media and from his record for weeks and now refuses to take the same stage with Doug in a debate."

The spokesperson added: "Roy Moore is an embarrassment and bad for Alabama."

And the television station noted: Every politician, no matter their stances, party or position, should be open to conversations and challenges, even from those who might disagree.